Mikelly

Just as a comparison only, On my 99C5 Vette we've changed out the fluid and pads, along with upgrades to the hoses and upgraded the ducting from the factory ducts. I was running hoosiers in 305-30-18s (back) and 275-40-17s (front) and we noticed that with these upgrades (using GS610 or Motul SRF fluids) and the ducting is tied into the caliper... It actually sits on the back side of the caliper with safety wire. I'm running bone stock ALLSafe OEM replacement 13inch rotors up front and OEM 12 inch rotors out back with Hawk HT10 race compound pads. I bleed all four calipers before I get to the track and I don't touch them afterwards. At Summit point I was running 1 minute 26 second laps on my best runs on the main circuit. At VIR I was running about a 2minute 16second lap on my best laps and the sessions were about 25minutes in length. I never had brake fade and the brakes were superb. This is in a 3200+ # platform. Imagine what that system combination would do in a Zcar chassis. Without the combination of upgrades I made, but running on slicks, a number of others from the Corvette community have had brake fade within 10 minutes on the track. The combo of parts is a known and proven combo used by others, and I just copied their setups and advice on what worked. The biggest problem these "vette" guys are experiencing with their stock OEM style 13inch radial vented rotors is cracking due to insufficient cool down. Most of us run our sessions and then pull in to the pits and cut the car off... the heat from the combo of rotor, caliper, tire and rim, along with the heat coming out from under the engine bay don't help with an already saturated braking surface and the rotors have cracked on some of these C5 cars. Fortunately I've not experienced it yet. However, these OEM rotors only cost $22 each, so most of the guys just do 2-3 weekends and toss them. Mike

Yea, Alex, But atleast he has finally moved to the front of the bus! Mike

Don't quit your day job! Mike

Oh CRAP!!! Literally! That was an AWESOME story! Kids indeed do the DARNDEST things. Smell what she was cookin'? Mike

I'll agree that in ITS or club events were the power of the vehicles is limited, then sure, you can get by with the 4X4 caliper. But if you are driving a modified car around a course for 20+ minutes at a time, You are far better suited with a larger than stock diameter, and vented rotor to shed the heat, and increase the lever effect on braking. It will make the whole chassis much happier and save you a trip into the tires or armco. Mike

I'm with David K. for a change! On the subject of the Miata, I don't see there being any more lack in functionality than with any other two seater sports car. I know several guys that drive them year round. I'd ditch that box for one in a newyork minute. When are you come to DC to see your honey anyway? Mike

Mine are blue... Just put them in and wired them... Mike

Congratulations. Excellent Scores! Your career AFTER being an officer will go further... Join, get the experience and training, reao the rewads, and when you're 20 years in, you'll be glad you did. Mike

I plan to be there with the little old tired C5 if I can get a new clutch into her in time... The new Z06 unit has already started to slip... Mike

This thread and another going on right now are indicative of what happens when winter rolls around and cabin fever sets in... We see it every year... Cold temps freeze the warm and fuzzy side of the brain. I wanted to lock it about a page back... Glad someone beat me to it. Truly disapointing. Mike

Sheeeeeiiiiiiittttt John... This absolutely Sux. One of the biggest fears I have with Buying an enclosed... I hope you get her back man, and I'll keep a look out for it.. Does it still have the damage on the Driver's side? Mike

Burnout? John, You planning on becoming a DoRifDa? Mike

I've been impressed with dodge as of late. They seem to be willing to take more chances in their product line... We may get surprised by this one! It sure looks awesome! Mike

I answered this in my post above. The STS isn't a better solution than the more efficient manifold mounted turbo. However, it is an alternate that is space effective and cost effective. Again, we're talking apples and oranges. Anyone who thinks the STS is the better solution would be incorrect. BUT, for those with space issues and on a budget, I think the STS should be a solution to consider, right along with NOS and superchargers. Mike

Katman, There was a discussion on another forum just last week concerning people wanting to become instructors ONLY for the free track time... I think a lot of the poor instruction some are getting is just that. If you've never coached a team, managed a team, taught a group in a classroom or work environment, and done it well, then how will you be able to relate the physics behind mass in motion on a racetrack? Lots of crappy instructors. You have to get with the guys who really want to teach! Mike

I'm with you MT... I'd own a Miata Speed before I'd dream of spending the money on that thing... Turbo Charges, excellent suspension, easy to add more power via Mazda Speed parts or the aftermarket... This GT500 is an abomination! Mike

Oh christ! An admin Side note... That title is gonna draw some fire from the "net nannies". Might want to rename it... Mike

I read in autoweek just before the release of the 2005 Mustang that fully HALF the buying owners of the FOX Mustang were WOMEN! Wonder how many of those in that school parking lot are driven by young women? Mike

Zero, I'd consider going down and hanging out with the guys at VIR whent eh THSCC is there in late February! They do it in conjunction with the TAR HEEL Zcar Club and they put on a hell of an event. It is great fun hanging out with the guys in the paddock and getting seat time with instructors. If it all works out well, I'll be there with the Vette, holding out for a contract signature in early January! Mike

Hmmm..... I've always liked the 32 Roadster Coddington kits... An SR20DET would be the POOP in that little car... They weigh so little without the running gear in them! Imagine that with a corvette suspension hung off it! Mike

"My money... My time... My car... piss off!" THAT should be anyone's mantra. Bottom line is, until someone else pays me to build it their way, I'm building it MY WAY, And all of you should too (Your own way, of course!) ! Mike

Sparkey, Be sure and post up your notes. Personally this thread has saved me about a day's worth of work! I only have to wire up my custom switchbox and starter button and I'm pretty much done with the wiring... I'll connect the battery over the next few days and confirm the connections! Mike

Richard Shoots, HE SCORES!!!! N-U-T-S! Yes, yes johnC is... Mike

I want to clarify something here in my above post. I am NOT knocking that swap or the fact that someone put a RB26 into an older Mustang. As JamieT stated, that mustang isn't that rare...Not in the least. Check ebay, they are everywhere. However, When someone makes the kind of comment that I quoted in my post, THAT draws fire. I'm in 110% agreement with these latest comments about the double standard. But some here have made negative comments about honda swaps, and those kids will argue all day long that they are on the cutting edge of the custom car scene, and I believe some of them are right. From a personal standpoint, for anyone to transplant a motor from maker A into Car manufactured from Company X is pretty cool. Some of you may know of Sean Corb from the GRM Challenge. He's running a complete Supra suspension and drivetrain in his 65 Mustang. That is just plain cool... Same with stuff an RB26 into that Mustang... I see no difference than the RB26/240SX swap my oldest stepson is in the middle of right now. If you don't "get it", then you're not a true car guy. You're as pure as the deepest "pursist on the planet". Mike